Every now and again, the reality of reaching the end of the road hits Chris Summers.

The Michigan senior hockey captain realized last week he can count his remaining games at Yost Ice Arena on one hand. And if anyone is aware of the fact how fleeting the Wolverines' chances are at a 20th straight NCAA Tournament appearance, it's Summers.

So when Michigan found itself on the brink of being being swept in a season series with rival Michigan State for the first time since the 1997-98 season last week, Wolverines coach Red Berenson knew exactly who he could make an example out of to get more out of his team.

By telling Summers he needed to be a better captain and a more effective leader, Berenson realized the rest of his players would get the same message.

"As an older guy on the team, you have to realize that guys are looking up to you, so you have to make sure that you're doing all the right things at all the right things," Summers said. "I don't think it was a shot at me (personally), but it was just a wake-up call for me and, hopefully, for the rest of the team as well."

Summers has served as the Wolverines' primary team spokesman this season. After losses, he's been asked to dissect what went wrong and what changes are needed.

When things have gone the way they're expected to, Summers job has been to keep his teammates even-keeled.

But as Michigan's captain, Summers has also been the one to be Berenson's voice among the players, reminding his teammates that if things were to turn around on the ice, ultimately, it would be up to them.

When Berenson made Summers and a few others the example after last Friday's 3-2 loss to the Spartans, it was Summers who found himself speaking to himself.

"It was an eye-opening experience," Summers said. "That night, I went home, looked myself in the mirror and said, 'It's gut-check time.'"

The next night at Joe Louis Arena, Summers ignited Michigan's quick start, scoring a goal and assisting on another as the Wolverines staved off the season sweep with a dramatic 5-4 victory. Not only had Michigan remained in contention for a top-four finish in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings, but Summers and his teammates had received a lesson in the need to play with desperation.

"We're in crunch time right now and (our upperclassmen) understand that, they've been there before and I know that will bring the best out in Chris Summers," Berenson said. "That's why he's a captain.

"But we all get comfortable or confident, and he's been a big part of this team, but this is where we step it up."

For Summers, that translates to taking Berenson's message and leading Michigan into a pivotal stretch run and the CCHA Tournament.

"It's unfortunate that it takes (being called out) sometimes, but it is what it is, and sometimes you need a little kick in the butt to get you going," Summers said. "I just need to keep that in the back of my mind and make sure I'm always doing the right thing.

"You're never going to be perfect, but as long as I'm coming to the rink every day and giving 110 percent, I think my teammates will respond to that."

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at jeffarnold@annarbor.com or 734-623-2554. Follow him at Twitter @jeffreyparnold.